Willmar, MN.– The Stingers (6-1) took game one in comeback fashion against the Badlands Big Sticks (3-4), 4-1.
The Big Sticks got on the board first in the top of the third.
The Stingers bounced back scoring three runs of their own in the bottom half of the inning. After a base hit by shortstop Kobe Eikmeier and a walk from centerfielder Bryce Ronken, third basemen Jameson Martin unloaded with a three-run home run.
The bats went quiet for the next three innings until the Stingers loaded the bases for right fielder Joey Craig. Craig drove in designated hitter Matthew Pena with a sacrifice fly to centerfield.
In the eighth two Stingers reached safely but were unable to score.
The Big Sticks threatened in the top of the ninth, but Will Eldridge collected a strikeout and a ground out to pick up his first save of the year.
Kaden Straily made his Stingers debut on the mound pitching 5.0 innings allowing just one earned run and two strikeouts.
Martin went 1-4 to extend his extra-base hit streak to three games.
Pena went 2-4 collecting a walk and scoring a run.
The Stingers will be back in action Wednesday June 4th at 6:35p.m. CST to wrap up their series against the Big Sticks on NWL+.
Visit willmarstingers.com or call 320-222-2010 to reserve your seats today. The 2025 season is presented by J.D. Kreps Financial Group, empowering investors with powerful financial advice.
About the Willmar Stingers:
The Willmar Stingers are a member of the Northwoods League, the premier summer collegiate baseball league in North America. The Stingers provide affordable, family-friendly entertainment while showcasing the top college baseball talent from across the country.
For more information about the Willmar Stingers, visit willmarstingers.com or contact the front office (320)222-2010 or info@willmarstingers.com
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The Willmar Stingers are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Entering its’ 32nd season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in history with 24 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires, and front office staff, nearly 2400 NWL alums have been drafted and over 380 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series Champion Max Scherzer (TOR), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford and World Series Champion Chris Sale (ATL). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2023 World Series Champion, MLB All-Star, MLB Gold Glove, two-time Silver Slugger winner and two-time All-MLB first team shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). League games are viewable live on Northwoods League+ (at watch.northwoodsleague.com), ESPN+, and the Northwoods League Network. Learn more and find complete streaming schedules at watchnwl.com. For more information, visit www.willmarstingers.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Stingers as your favorite team.